The beginning of the Meiji Era in 1868 marked the introduction of a secretive, closed world to the world. Soon Japan joined the industrial era, modernized government and society and became a modern nation, building an armed force that fought China and won in 1894, defeated the Russian fleet in 1905, joined the allies against Germany in World War I, had the third largest navy in the world by 1920, and attacked the United States, Great Britain, France, and the Netherlands and joined the Axis in World War II. Read about the dazzling rise of Japan up to its defeat. Read any book about this history.

What led to it? Examine all or part of the rapid change of a country closed off from the world, then the Black Ships of Commodore Perry and the rapid entry of Japan to the world and the world to Japan.